Geum Fire Storm (Avens)

Regarded as an improved version of Geum 'Fireball', Geum 'Fire Storm' is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with twice the flower power of 'Fireball' but half the plant size. Vigorous, compact and long blooming, it produces an abundance of semi-double flowers, opening a rich fiery orange, suffused with scarlet towards the petal edges, then maturing to a brighter, slightly yellower orange shade. And they open over many months, appearing in late spring through early to midsummer. The blooms give way to attractive, fluffy seed heads. Borne on sparsely leafed wiry stems, they rise well above the fresh and lush foliage of lobed basal leaves.

• Forms a spreading mound of evergreen, coarsely textured, green leaves, up to 13-20 in. high (32-50 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm).
• Enjoys full sun to part shade in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Moist, fertile soils are preferred. Needs afternoon shade in hot, humid climates. It is not a "tough-as-nails" plant, but with basic care and decent soil conditions it will thrive with little effort.
• Excellent in perennial borders, butterfly gardens, rock gardens or cottage gardens. Well suited to containers too! Very useful and adaptable in the garden, it is easy to grow.
• Deer and rabbit resistant, it is a real magnet for butterflies, hummingbirds and bees!
• No serious pest or disease problems. May occasionally be attacked by sawfly larvae
• Sow Geum seeds directly in the garden in the spring or summer, up until 2 months before the first killing frost. Seeds may be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last killing frost.
• Remove spent flower stems to promote further blooms and cut back after flowering is over.
• Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in winter or propagate by division in spring or fall